Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Cast: Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Shawn Mendes, Winslow Fegley, Brett Gelman
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Rating: 3/5

Bernard Waber’s children’s book of the same name, first published in 1965 gets a cinematic, musical live-action animation adaptation, and it’s a smartly targeted offering. This was in fact Lyle’s second literary venture showcasing the misadventures of the eponymous creature who wants to spread joy but is inadvertently screeched off as a man-eater. Screenwriter Will Davies’ adaptation focuses mainly on making this a family film while echoing the essence of the books. And that’s a positive for a film that veers into song and dance at the merest hint of tedium.

It's pretty hard not to fall for the scaly, CGI, titular, croc who cannot speak but sings in the divine voice of hugely popular singer Shawn Mendes. Mendes’ toe-tapping melodies propel this musical straight to our hearts. And this…in spite of being a delayed bloomer.